Japan: Adverse winter weather forecast across much of Honshu Island through at least Dec. 24

Adverse winter weather conditions are forecast across much of Japan's largest island of Honshu through at least Dec. 24. As of Dec. 20, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued a general weather information bulletin advising of heavy snowfall from northern to western Japan Dec. 22-23, with the heaviest accumulations likely in areas along the Sea of Japan coast. The JMA has forecast snowfall amounts of up to 70 cm (28 inches) in Hokuriku Region and 50 cm (20 inches) across the rest of Honshu late Dec. 21-22. A further 70 cm (28 inches) is expected in Hokuriku, Kanto-Koshin, and Tohoku regions, 40 cm (16 inches) in Tokai Region, and 30 cm (12 inches) in Chugoku and Kinki regions late Dec. 22-23. Further intermittent-to-heavy snowfall is forecast through at least Dec. 24.

The JMA has only issued yellow heavy snowfall warnings for parts of Aomori Prefecture in Tohoku Region as of Dec. 20, as well as yellow warnings for various other types of weather across parts of the affected area; however, authorities will almost certainly issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days, including widespread warnings for heavy snowfall.

In addition to the wintry precipitation, strong wind gusts could lead to periods of blowing and drifting snow. Sporadic power outages are possible throughout affected areas.

The winter weather may cause ground and air transport disruptions in the affected areas over the coming days. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways. Difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions are also possible on secondary and rural roadways in the affected states as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities could close stretches of highway if driving conditions become too hazardous. Gusty winds may threaten to topple high-profile vehicles throughout the affected area. Flight delays and cancellations are possible due to ground stops and deicing operations at airports in the regions.